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Bahrain Public Holidays

Bahrain observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Overview

Bahrain observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.

Explore the holiday calendar for Bahrain by year below.

2026 holidays

A quick look at upcoming holidays in Bahrain.

DateDayHoliday
Jan 1ThursdayNew Year
Feb 18WednesdayRamadan Start
Mar 20FridayEid al-Fitr
Mar 20FridayMarch Equinox
Mar 21SaturdayEid al-Fitr Holiday
Mar 22SundayEid al-Fitr Holiday
May 1FridayMay Day
May 26TuesdayArafat Day
May 27WednesdayEid al-Adha
May 28ThursdayEid al-Adha Holiday
May 29FridayEid al-Adha Holiday
Jun 17WednesdayMuharram
Jun 21SundayJune Solstice
Jun 26FridayAshoora
Jun 27SaturdayAshoora Holiday

Holiday calendar by year

Years are listed in ascending order.

About public holidays in Bahrain

Bahrain observes a number of public holidays throughout the year, many of which are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. These holidays can shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Some holidays may also have additional days of observance.

You can find a comprehensive list of all public holidays in Bahrain for any given year on our Bahrain holidays page. For a general understanding of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our public holidays definition.

Major public holidays in 2026

In 2026, Bahrain will observe several significant public holidays. These include religious observances and national celebrations.

Other holidays in 2026 include New Year, March Equinox, May Day, June Solstice, September Equinox, and December Solstice. For a complete listing and details, please visit the Bahrain holidays in 2026 page.

  • Ramadan Start18 February 2026. The commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
  • Eid al-Fitr20 March 2026. A major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan.
  • Eid al-Adha27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, another significant Islamic holiday.
  • National Day16 December 2026. Bahrain's national celebration of its independence.

Planning around holidays

When planning a visit or business activities in Bahrain, it's helpful to be aware of the holiday schedule. Many holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning their dates change annually. This can affect business operations and travel.

  • Religious Observances: Islamic holidays like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are central to the calendar and may involve closures or reduced services.
  • National Celebrations: National Day is a significant public holiday with widespread observances.
  • Variable Dates: Due to the lunar calendar, the exact dates for many holidays shift each year, so it's essential to check the specific year you are planning for.
  • Extended Observances: Some holidays, particularly the Eids, may have additional days of observance, extending the period of potential disruption to regular schedules.

Plan Your Year Around BH Holidays

Calendar Tool

View Bahrain holidays in calendar mode

Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.

Frequently asked questions